SmackDown: Should Body Piercings Be Allowed in School?

Is a nose-piercing enough to get suspended from school? Credit: Christopher Healy

The School Should Stick Its Piercing Rules in a Hole. by Jessica Samakow

You're entitled to believe anything you want, as long as we agree with your beliefs.

These might as well have been the words spoken to 14-year-old Ariana Iacono by school officials last week when they decided to suspend her for refusing to remove her nose piercing.

North Carolina's Clayton High School insists Ariana's tiny stud is a violation of the school's dress code. The pierced freshman claims her nose stud is an expression of her religion, the Church of Body Modification, which may be unfamiliar to most, but is, in fact, a federally-recognized organization.

"We believe that the mind body soul are all one entity and that by modifying the body, you can bring the mind and soul into harmony," Minister Richard Ivey tells North Carolina's ABC11, explaining the basis of his religion.

Although Clayton High School's dress policy can be adjusted upon request of a student who holds a "sincere religious belief," Ariana's request was denied because school officials deemed her piercing unnecessary, even after they researched her religion.

In defense of her decision to keep the piercing in, Ariana tells a reporter that the stud acts as a healing aide following childhood abuse.

"I was abused for years when I was younger, and I have really low self esteem, and it kind of helps me look at myself in a better way," she explains.

But frankly, giving a reason for her piercing should not even be a part of the equation. Whether or not the school understands her reasoning or sympathizes with her pain is completely irrelevant. The fact is, the piercing is a representation of her religion, and that alone should be the end of the discussion.

To be fair, there are some dress codes that make sense. When I was in high school, teachers would stop girls in the hall to assess whether their skirts reached the ends of their fingertips. If they fell short of the requirement, the girls were asked to change into their baggy gym uniform. Although a longer hem was not in style back then, that particular part of the dress code kept hormonal teens from being distracted by excess skin.

In Ariana's case, however, it's hard to believe anyone was offended by the microscopic stud in her nose. I can't think of a way it could cause any kind of distraction. If a student were to claim his religion required nipple exposure at all times, I could understand the school having an issue. But a nose piercing? Not a big deal at all. Actually, not even noticeable.

And, really, what is the difference between ear piercings and nose piercings, anyway? Why are studs in the ears acceptable, while a stud in the nose is considered inappropriate? They are mere inches away from each other. I understand that a line must be drawn somewhere, but in comparing the two piercing locations, I find no difference.

It is completely ridiculous that the school is so against a nose piercing that they are willing to compromise a student's education and religious freedom. What about real problems that are far bigger than a one centimeter nose stud? How's the drug and alcohol problem in your neck of the woods?

Stop being holier than thou, Clayton High School.

School Dress Codes Are Holy Territory.
by Elizabeth Humphrey

So what's wrong with a North Carolina school system who suspends a 14-year-old with a nose stud?

Absolutely nothing!

Last week, Clayton High School enforced its dress-code policy, which says no jewelry in the nose, tongue, lips, cheeks and eyebrows. And well they should.

While students would argue that this is a case of the freedoms of speech and religion entering school grounds, I would say that's not the case at all. If we extend that logic, then why not add in the right to bear arms for the teen set? All those no-weapons policies would go out the window. And if we allowed 14-year-olds the right to vote, we'd have Lady Gaga in the White House. (Yes, I know she's not yet 35, but the little monsters would probably repeal that rule as well.)

Schools establish policies to provide a minimally distracting learning environment for students. As a parent, I haven't always agreed with the policies, including one school's no nail-polish mandate. But each year, I dutifully read through the school handbook, sign on the dotted line and abide by the rules and regulations.

For the most part, my kids do, too. If they wear too many Silly Bandz or show too much skin, which are also against school policy, I expect them to be reprimanded.

To me, it's like being invited to friends' homes. You might not agree when they don't allow your children to eat on the couch or put their shoes all over the La-Z-Boy, but, hey, it's their rules. You're in their house and you mind your manners.

Likewise, North Carolina high-school freshman Ariana Iacono is not respecting the rules of her school.

Ariana says that the piercing is part of her religion. Her church, the Church of Body Modification, says it "strengthens the bond between mind, body and soul" through piercings, tattoos and the like. (In its frequently asked questions section, the church talks about other dubious practices that make me wince: suspension, hook pulling, binding, corsetry and firewalking.)

But who am I to say that this belief system is good or bad (wacky, perhaps). I encourage my kids to explore our religion, while learning about their own internal strengths -- through my guilt-inducing moments -- to guide them.

For her part, Ariana's mother told one reporter that the piercing is "similar to the way makeup helps many women feel more beautiful."

Okay, fine. But didn't you just say "women?" You have a child, not a woman. And just like the way makeup is not allowed in some schools, why not compromise and take out the nose stud during school hours? That way Ariana can have her piercings and her education, too. In fact, the pierced teen's church even suggests compromise in the Q&A section of its website. Clearly, they've dealt with naysayers before.

Perhaps the school and Ariana can use this as a -- dare I say it? -- teachable moment to bring about a dialogue on religious freedoms, while also addressing the reasons for school-district's dress-code policies?

How's that for piercing a hole in the notion that the generations just can't get along.

"HEY, MA! MY GO-KART RUNS ON ALTERNATIVE FUEL!"Here's a fantastic example of a community event that brings together local businesses, state agencies…and kids. Fort Pierce, Florida annually hosts “The Extreme Energy Education Event” (or “EX3”) a program where teams of middle school kids design and build go-karts that run on alternative schools, then compete their go-karts in time trials. The Treasure Cost Research Park started the program to encourage practical learning in math, science, and engineering, and now everybody helps out.

ReaderComments (Page 3 of 42)

I am almost 17, I have one cartilage peircing, and 1 set of regular peircing on my ear lobes. Fact is, I peirced my ear lobes! Oh my goodness! Its the same exact thing as peircng anywhere else on a body. A needle to peircng gun penatrated the skin, resulting in a small hole...to put an earring through. Wow...i should be looked upon as a disgusting and whore-ish being. NOT. I am a youth leader at my youth group, and plan on getting a couple mroe peircings, and a tattoo or two when the time permitts, and I have saved enough money. You should spit at me.

The world has become such an overpowering judgemental place, of course there is going to be rebels. Some people have different tastes as to what they prefer to have on and peirce their bodies with. That would be free will. Free choices. People only have to deal with these things between themselves and God. Thats the only person we need to worry about judging us. But guess what?! That means that...get this...IT DOESNT MATTER WHAT YOU HAVE ON YOUR BODY! Because God doesnt judge the outward appearance, only the inward. The heart.

Proverbs 27:19 "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man."Thats just one of many verses that refer to that specifically.

I may not personaly agree with the "religion" that the girl is saying she belongs to to keep her peircing, as I have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and He isnt a religion. But what this has turned into is not just simply if the religion is acceptable for her to keep her peircing, but its turned into a judging brawl. Just people throwing their opinions around...God still loves those people anyway...

Although everyone is entitled to their opinion, this one is ridiculous....lmao....its a nose piercing....get over yourself already.....you must have been made fun in school....lmao...mountains out of molehills....snobby brats? i sense hatred from being an outcast when you were in school.....

I don't know about some of the piercings, u may be right on them, BUT as far as the tongue rings go maybe u should do a little research before popping your mouth off! I got my tongue pierced at 16 and have kept it ever since (I am now 22). I had it pierced because I couldn't seem to break my habit of chewing on pop tabs, which is not very safe. The tongue ring solved that problem and has not created any problems of it's own, I can wear a clear spacer at work so it does not affect my employment, and I have never had anyone criticize me on it either. I FIRMLY believe it is up to each individual person what they do with their own body, since it is theirs and not ours, and that people should thoroughly research what piercings AND tattoos cause both good and bad before they start criticizing people for having them!!

To call girls "whores" because they pierce their bodies is ugly and ignorant. I am a teacher. There are so many kids with bigger issues. I wish people in general would stop being so damn hypocritical. There is no difference in a nose piercing and an ear piercing except social acceptance, which is really no difference at all. These girls are no different from previous generations who were trying to express themselves with different styles. Just because adults don't like it, doesn't make it wrong. Get over yourselves people. Help these kids learn, not condemn them because you don't like their outfit!

BS- kids get piercings for any number of reasons. Some of their parents have piercings. Sometimes they just like the way they look. Sometimes its a statement of them being an individual rather than a preppy sheep that wears GAP clothes and Arberzombie & Fitch.Its a means of expression in any case and whats wrong with that. Its not like its a shirt that has words saying F UNothing wrong with piercings.

whether a piercing is religious in nature or not makes no difference. if its religious and she's not allowed to have it, then ban all the crosses people where as jewelry. schools are there for one reason. TEACH. not issue fashion statements. 100 yrs ago showing your ankle was considered trashy. now, we got fat old women wearing spandex and t-shirts in public. MY EYES, MY EYES!!!. besides, parents decide what their under age children should wear. and over age children are adults and can wear what they please. its not for you to decide. people pay TAXES to the school district, its not for you to say who can attend and who cant. michael

Blazingphoenix83, You would be the one to talk about "Show me some straight A's", when your grammar is horrible...How did you get an "A" in English? When I was in middle school(1998-2000), kids had piercings all over the place, Most noticeable was ears, nose, eyebrows, tongue, belly button for the girls, and the "labret" which is in between the lower bottom lip and in the middle of right above the chin(which I had but I got it in High School), However theirs was a dress code, we had to wear school uniforms, and if we did not comply with that, their was infractions, and those infractions had consequences, yet no one made a fuss over piercings! I mean seriously a piercing? Should the school be more concern for the pupils education rather than what the kid has on their body? Whats next strip search to check for tattoo's? STOP WORRYING ABOUT WHAT THE KID WEARS and START WORRYING IF THE KID EXCELS in SCHOOL...How is it a distraction to others did she have a flock of kids in "AWE"?, People need to stop being backwards, this is not 1950, Its 2010 people. Sad to hear that a child's education was postponed due to what they wear...sad just sad...I hope your children are not subjected to being "sheltered" cause at one point or another they will have to face the "real world". and if they are not at all prepared, the blame falls on you!

I think if you are an adult you can do wherever you want with your whole body, but if you are student, you need to go to school to learn more about knowledge, that is your focus as student, If we have good mental health. If she want to impact and change the whole world with his body stereotypes, in the street she can do it if that is their priority.Dress and stereotypes code is good, because after all, they are trying to force everybody in what they do. Yes, in America you are free in the street to do whatever you want, but the school it is not to promote religious issues, gay right, stereotypes, or political view. Is convinient understand, the school is to learnd not to impact the world.

Piercings and tattoos make people low life trash and whores. It makes them unable to succeed in life. Their trying to call attention to themselves. I have never read or heard such shallow comments in my life. Circumstances make people "poor" Poor choices make people "low life trash" Many unstable relationships and mulitple partners make people "Whores". Pierings and tattoos don't make people any of these things it's part of their personal character and know one has the right to judge them. For me personally, I have piercings and tattoos, I also have a college education, been married to a wonderful unpierced tattoo man for 20 years and might I mention that my biological children are all from him and we have been fortunate enough to adopt 2 beautiful children out of the foster are system and continue to be active in our community. We are by no means "rich or poor" "low life trash or whores" It's truly unbelievable that people are so shallow to make these assumptions by ones appearance.

Any business, school, or organization should be allowed to enforce a dress code.

In schools, dress codes eliminates a lot of expense for families with all the kids trying to keep up with the Joneses.

The tatoos, piercings, etc. are the Eastern influence. The pants below the behiney is the black culture. To me those are negative, however I love the "flare" displayed by black women, hair, hats clothes, etc. I feel sorry for the women who have to "cover" from head to toe...covering their particular beauty...Eastern. Dress in America has become "sloppy." In schools you cannot distinguish the teachers from the students....probably why students do not respect teachers.....they all look and act alike. The way you dress and act says a lot about you. There is nothing wrong with comfort, but please....care about your appearance.

Young females wonder why they get raped, but the way they dress is an invitation; clingy clothes up to the hiney and displaying their boobs. Young men and women hop in the bed together on a first date. Please, think more highly of yourself than that. No wonder there are fewer marriages...no commitment....and poor babies being born with no identity. We are a sick society!!!

"Every man does that which is right in his own eyes," as stated in the Bible in Judges when the nation was without a King, 17:6 and 21:25 Today everyone depends on his own opionion and accepts no authority. While I disagree with dictatorship, I definitely believe in rules and regulatons for law and order.

If you research "The Fall of Rome" and/or other societies, you will identify much of the same things happening in the United States.

Manners....what happened to manners? In restaurants people eat like hogs and are so noisy you cannot hear a conversation with a person next to you. The general society does not even know how to use eating utinsils. Most eat with their fingers.

You can tell I was not born yesterday. My parents and grandparents would "turn over in their graves" to witness some of the things going on in the world today. I know every generation witnesses the changes....change is necessary, but the hope of every generation is morals, decency, respect, law and order and recognition of and obedience to our great Creator. When you love and respect, you do not take advantage, nor do you have to abuse your body to get attention.

"whores"? Ignorance is no excuse for this type of behavior. Talk about disgusting. You judge kids that pierce themselves but you seem to harbor some pretty dark thoughts. Perhaps you need to clean your own moral closet before you begin to judge others.

Banning a child from school for a nose piercing is the school system cutting its nose off to spite its face. If the young woman is seeking attention, she surely got it. If she's simply self expressing, why such a big fuss.

Schools aren't made to produce little social soldiers, they're made to teach. If she is a fair student, a nose piercing should be irrelevant. Youth is rebellious and in the course of human history, thankfully so. It's up to the adults to pick the battles wisely on what we squelch and what we choose to dominate in youth.

Perspective, folks. The time spent on this exertion of school authority is time poorly spent when our school systems are in the state they are in. We need to actually focus on curriculum rather than dominating youthful spirit. All this teaches is that people who are different or creative will be punished and time and resources will be taken away from more pressing educational issues.

NADIA, you're missing an important point. It might surprise you to know that YOU are NOT the center of the universe, and that YOU DO NOT represent all students or people with piercings. Piercings are an unnecessary distraction and some (tongue, lip) are actually a health risk. They also can become a source of ridicule or envy that add to the "politics" of school clicks. More than anything you have to remember that allowing a nose stud means you have to allow the next person to bring a goat to school or smoke pot as part of their religion or beliefs. And what recognizable, valid religion requires a nose stud? Not allows, but REQUIRES a nose stud?

Another thing parents like YOU need to do is learn to PICK YOUR BATTLES or risk losing your kids. I work in child welfare and have raised two children. If you act like a know it all prick and expect your children to turn out just like you or else, then you're not loving them for who they are and unless they're brainless like YOU, when they get older they will REBEL and your relationship will eventually suffer and it very well may be ruined. Now maybe you don't care, but if you want to raise a productive member of society, you need to google authoritative parenting and LEARN about it. Unless your children feel like they have some control over their lives which in turn promotes capable, well adjusted adults with positive self images which will allow them to successfully enter society as productive and positive contributors, then congrats...you've failed as a parent. I don't expect much from you after reading your post but one can always hope.

"Ears pierced are one thing but the nose,tongue,belly button on these teens...they just look like a bunch of whores and that's all they get them for is to try to show some sex appeal. "These seem to be VERY harsh words coming out of a mother who will I promise be faced w/ more then just your kids wanting a piercing.FYI mommy dearest, it's not just the girls anymore sweety, the boys are wearing them too. The piercing are not keeping these kids from learning nor helping them to get in trouble..It is simply the way they are raised..What one enjoys may not be what another does as we are tought, but well as for me..My parents raised me to be ME! It really is no different then being raised and going to school in the 80's with the long haired guys and the Madonna bands. As the saying goes..I will raise my kids my way..you raise your kids your way..BTW i am a 38 yr (3 piercing) old mama of a little girl and I promise you..anyone talks about my kid like that will walk away wishing they minded their business..

There is no place for distraction in a "Public" learning setting.(No matter how insignificant it may APPEAR).The issue is one of DISTRACTION as it takes away from what kids are in school to do (LEARN).Everyone has a right to their OWN opinion and ways they choose to live, but not in a public setting and especially when we're talking about kids.Some “PARENTS” today want to be FRIENDS with their kids, allow them way too much freedom to make their own decisions without thought to consequence. It's not the kids fault, they're learning at this point and don't fully understand the true meaning of what appears to be so insignificant. Hopefully the parents will do the right thing and make the kid get with the program. Otherwise, what has she learned other than how to manipulate and waste others more meaningful time.

Well aren't you special! Talk about being holier than thou! My children all have/had their noses pierced and so do I, a 57 year old mother of 3 excellent high school students who went on to be excellent college student and are now living full productive lives with good jobs. None of them was ever in trouble, took drugs, turned into an alcoholic, or did any of the horrible things you speak of. One of my children is also 27. None of them forgets what it was like being in high school and seeing teachers choose certain students to pick on every day just because... My son was one of those students. He was a high school athlete and one of his teachers did not believe a student should be an athlete. He was humiliated in class daily, but held his head high because he was commited to both school and athletics. He went to college on an athletic scholarship and graduated with a 3.0 GPA. They were allowed to display anger in an appropriate way and they were allowed to challenge ridiculous rules if they felt strongly enough about them and had a solution to go along with their objections. They never ranted and belittled people because of their beliefs. They never put people in different categories because of their beliefs, race. religious, political, or any other. They are well-adjusted, tolerant, flexible young women and man, and I couldn't be more proud of them or of my husband and I for raising such wonderful people, especially in today's hostile world.

You would be lucky to cross paths with them one day and observe what decent people are really like. So would the principle of Clayton High School in North Carolina. Nose studs do not cause people to go off the deep end and become wild crazy people who commit crimes or are a bad influence on other people.